Honda CR-V 2002 - 2006 review
The 2002-2006 CR-V has car-like unibody construction and is available as front- or all-wheel drive (only AWD in Canada) with manual or automatic transmission. The only engine choice is a strong and reliable 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC motor. The CR-V has disk brakes on all four wheels; ABS is available (standard on all models from 2005). From 2005, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control are standard on all trim levels sold in US. The CR-V's all-wheel drive system is helpful on slippery roads, although it's not designed for real off-roading. In normal conditions, Honda CR-V is powered by the front wheels. If the front wheels lose traction and start slipping, the rear wheels kick in to help. Inside, the CR-V feels surprisingly roomy for a small SUV. High driving position gives you better visibility. The instruments are simple and straightforward. The dashboard has numerous storage compartments; however, the glove box is small. Both front seats have an armrest. The tray between front seats folds down for easy access to the rear seat row. Rear seats are adjustable and can be folded forward offering huge cargo space in the back. According to Honda, 72.0 cu. ft. of rear cargo room can accommodate two fully assembled, full-size mountain bikes. The rear hatch window opens separately. As in the previous model, there is a foldable picnic table under the floor carpet that also serves as a cover for a large storage in the back. On the road, the CR-V offers almost car-like handling. Ride is rather stiff but comfortable. Tight turning radius is great for city driving or parking maneuvers. On the down side, road and engine noise are pronounced at higher speed. The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V received five stars in both frontal and side-impact crash tests performed by the NHTSA. For more details, visit Safercar.gov. In the offset frontal crash test performed by the IIHS, the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V received "Good" overall rating. |
Engine
 Honda CR-V 2.4L 4-cylinder engine |
The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V comes with one of the most advanced engine in its class: the 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder i-VTEC motor with aluminum cylinder head and aluminum block with cast-in iron liners. This engine produces 160-horsepower at 6000 rpm and 162-lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.
The i-VTEC technology combines VTC (Variable Timing Control), which continuously adjusts camshaft phase, with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that changes valve lift, timing and duration, increasing airflow into the cylinder and boosting performance at high rpm. This engine doesn't have a timing belt; a long-lasting timing chain is used instead.
Strengths
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- Car-like handling
- Good crash test scores
- Practical spacious interior
- A lot of cargo space with rear seats folded down
- Rear hatch window opens separately
- Tight turning radius
- Good resale value
Weaknesses
- Road and engine noise
- Driver's seat is a bit uncomfortable in long drives
- No available V6
- Boxy look
Overall
The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V offers roomy functional interior, car-like ride, strong 4-cylinder engine, good crash test ratings and decent fuel economy for an SUV.
The 2002-2006 CR-V has been pretty reliable, although not completely trouble-free and some problems could be quite expensive to repair.
Look for models from 2003; first year models always have more problems. Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
You also may want to look at Toyota RAV4, which is very similar small SUV and likewise offers good fuel economy.
Check more Used SUV reviews
What to look for buying a used Honda CR-V
Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems,
follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Honda dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Low engine oil level may indicate excessive oil consumption.
- Make sure to test the air conditioner - it is a weak spot and repair could be expensive.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Winter tires will provide much better traction on the snow.
- Change transmission fluid in recommended intervals using original Honda transmission fluid.
- Noise coming from the rear at slow turns could be caused by worn out rear differential fluid - have it checked. If it needs to be changed, use only original Honda fluid.
- Stick with original Honda parts.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips
Honda CR-V short specifications (2004 US model)
| Dimensions: | |
|
Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: |
178.6 in (4537 mm) 70.2 in (1782 mm) 66.2 in (1682 mm) 103.1 in (2620 mm) |
| Ground clearance: |
8.1 in (205 mm) |
| Seating Capacity: |
5 |
| Towing Capacity: |
1500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Cargo volume: | |
|
with rear seats up: with rear seats folded |
33.5 cu. ft (949 liters) 72.0 cu, ft (2039 liters) |
| Engine: |
2.4-Liter, DOHC 16-Valve, Aluminum Alloy 4-cylinder with i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control with VTC and VTEC) 160 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 162 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
2WD Automatic: 4WD Automatic: 4WD Manual: |
city: 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) hwy: 29 MPG (8.1 L/100km) city: 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) hwy: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) city: 21 MPG (11.2 L/100km) hwy: 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Regular Unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 15.3 US gal (58 liters) |
| Engine Oil capacity | |
|
(with filter): | 5.3 qt (5.0 liters) |
Links
American Honda Motor Co. - find information about current models.
Hondas Ownerlink website- maintenance tips, recalls, maintenance schedule and a lot more - registration required.
SaferCar.gov - compare crash test ratings.
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Warranty Direct - buy an extended warranty.
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
Edmunds.com - new car invoice pricing.
Where to find repair information
If you want to find technical information about you car such as repair manual, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, fluid types, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, recalls, etc. follow this link:
by Vlad Samarin
